ABSTRACT:
The dissertation consists of a collection and discussion of all the available data on southern Italy’s Bronze Age fortified settlements. The first section describes the study area, its main characteristics and paleo-environmental features; on this basis the author hypotesizes the existence of a precise settlement model consisting in medium-large size settlements located on the coastal or sub-coastal zone, and smaller sites in the interior, with some exceptions such as Masseria Chiancudda.
The sites of Coppa Nevigata and Roca Vecchia in Puglia are analysed in greater detail, for the presence of a better archaeological documentation that reveals the great complexity of Bronze Age defensive systems. Both the sites gave clear evidence of war-related events. The author compares the fortifications of the two settlements, analyzing in detail the different architectural features, discussing similarities and differences. Then, on the basis of this analysis, and comparing the results with the weaponry coming from southern Italy’s warrior burials, she makes an attempt of reconstructing Bronze Age war techniques employed in the attack and defense of the settlements.
In conclusion, evidence from Puglia is compared with data from Broglio di Trebisacce and Torre Mordillo (Calabria), and Thapsos and Ustica (Sicily).
AUTHOR: Mariele Proietti
REFEREE: Alberto Cazzella
UNIVERSITY: Sapienza Università di Roma. Department of Scienze dell'Antichità.
DATE OF GRADUATION: 2012
LANGUAGE: ITALIAN